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A Guide To Genital Herpes Symptoms In Women
A genital herpes outbreak can start out mild but become more severe. You may experience itchy bumps or painful blisters, depending on the stage of your outbreak.
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) that results from the herpes simplex virus (HSV). It's most commonly transmitted through sexual contact, whether oral, anal, or genital sex.
Genital herpes is usually caused by the HSV-2 strain of herpes. The first herpes outbreak may not happen for years after transmission.
But you're not alone.
About 1 in 6 U.S. People have experienced a herpes infection. Around 776,000 new cases of HSV-2 are reported every year.
There's plenty that can be done to treat the symptoms and manage outbreaks so that life isn't ever disrupted by it.
Both HSV-1 and HSV-2 can cause oral and genital herpes, but we'll be focusing mainly on genital HSV-2.
Early symptoms tend to happen around 2 to 12 days after infection. There are two phases, latent and prodrome.
You may feel a light itchiness or tingling around your genitals or notice some tiny, firm red or white bumps that are uneven or jagged in shape.
These bumps may also be itchy or painful. If you scratch them, they can open up and ooze white, cloudy fluid. This can leave painful ulcers behind that can be irritated by clothing or other materials than come into contact with your skin.
These blisters can show up anywhere around the genitals and the surrounding areas, including the:
The first outbreak may also come along with symptoms that are like those of the flu virus, including:
The first outbreak is usually the most severe. Blisters may be extremely itchy or painful, and sores may appear in many areas around the genitals.
But every outbreak after that is typically less severe. The pain or itchiness won't be as intense, the sores won't take quite as long to heal, and you probably won't experience the same flu-like symptoms that happened during the first outbreak.
The symptoms of genital herpes look different at each stage of an outbreak. They may start mild, but become more noticeable and severe as the outbreak worsens.
Genital herpes symptoms don't look the same for every person. You may even notice differences in your sores from outbreak to outbreak.
Here are some examples of what genital herpes looks like for people with vulvas at each stage.
Genital herpes is spread through unprotected oral, anal, or genital sex with someone who has an infection. It's commonly transmitted when a person has sex with someone who has an active outbreak consisting of open, oozing sores.
However, the absence of a visible outbreak does not mean the herpes virus can't still be transmitted. The virus can also be present and transmissible on unbroken skin that looks normal to the eye. Unfortunately, though condoms are helpful, any contact with uncovered skin may still transmit the virus.
If you start to feel the prodromal symptoms preceding an outbreak such as itching. Tingling, or burning, avoid sexual contact until the scabs have gone away and wash your hands with soap and water after any contact with the area.
Once the virus has made contact, it spreads in the body through mucous membranes. These are thin layers of tissue found around openings in the body like your nose, mouth, and genitals.
Then, the virus invades the cells in your body with the DNA or RNA material that makes them up. This allows them to essentially become a part of your cell and replicate themselves whenever your cells do.
Here are a few ways a doctor may diagnose genital herpes:
Genital herpes can't be completely cured. But there are plenty of treatments for the symptoms of an outbreak and to help keep outbreaks from happening — or at least to reduce how many a person has throughout their life.
Antiviral medications are the most common form of treatment for genital herpes infections.
Antiviral treatments can stop the virus from multiplying inside the body, lowering the chances that the infection will spread and cause an outbreak. They can also help prevent transmitting the virus to sexual partners.
Some common antiviral treatments for genital herpes include:
A doctor may only recommend antiviral treatments if a person starts to see symptoms of an outbreak. But they may need to take daily antiviral medication if they have outbreaks often, especially if they're severe.
A doctor may recommend pain medications like ibuprofen (Advil) to help reduce any pain or discomfort before and during an outbreak.
An ice pack wrapped in a clean towel and placed on the genitals can help to reduce inflammation during an outbreak.
Below are some methods to make sure herpes isn't transmitted or contracted from another person:
You are not alone. Tens of millions of other people are going through the exact same thing.
Try talking to someone you're close to about your experiences with genital herpes.
Having a friendly ear, especially someone who may also be going through the same thing, can make the pain and discomfort that much easier. They may even be able to provide some tips on how to best manage symptoms.
If you're not comfortable talking with a friend, try finding a genital herpes support group. This can be a traditional meet-up group in your city, or an online community on places like Facebook or Reddit for people to talk openly, and sometimes anonymously, about their experiences.
Genital herpes is one of the more common STIs. Symptoms are not always immediately noticeable, so it's important to see a doctor and get tested right away if you think you may have contracted an infection and want to avoid transmitting it.
Even though there's no cure, antiviral treatments can keep the number of outbreaks and severity of symptoms to a minimum.
Just remember that a person can still transmit genital herpes to someone even when not having an outbreak, so practice safe sex at all times to make sure the virus doesn't spread.
How Many People Have Herpes? What To Know
Over 500,000 people ages 14–49 have genital herpes in the United States. However, the exact number is unknown. People may only experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
The above stats come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are two types of herpes virus: herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2).
Experts estimate that a large portion of the world's population has oral herpes, or HSV-1, while a smaller portion has genital herpes, or HSV-2.
Herpes is a skin condition that comes from the HSV. It may cause skin blisters, sores, fever, and body aches. Often, however, it causes no symptoms.
Both types of virus are contagious, and there is currently no cure. Keep reading to learn more about how many people have herpes. We also discuss the common myths surrounding this infection.
According to the CDC, more than 1 in 6 people in the United States between the ages of 14 and 49 years have genital herpes.
The World Health Organization (WHO) say that globally, about 67% of people below the age of 50 years (which equates to 3.7 billion people) have HSV-1. This is the virus that most often causes oral herpes.
They also note that about 417 million people aged 15–49 years (11% of the population) have HSV-2, which usually causes genital herpes.
According to the WHO, HSV-2 is more common in women; it affected 267 million women and 150 million men in 2012. This difference is due to the fact that women tend to contract HSV-2 more easily from sexual contact.
Although herpes is common, many myths and misunderstandings surround it. Here are some of the most common ones:
Myth #1: People with herpes know that they have itFact: Most people who have oral or genital herpes do not have any symptoms, according to the WHO.
Therefore, a person may not know that they have herpes, which means that they could unintentionally spread it to others.
The WHO state that only 10–20% of people who have HSV-2 report receiving a diagnosis of genital herpes.
Myth #2: Herpes is only a sexually transmitted infectionFact: Not all cases of herpes spread through sex. HSV-1 often spreads through contact with the skin or saliva of a person who has the infection.
For instance, people can spread it by kissing, sharing utensils, touching an infected surface, or having skin-to-skin contact.
According to the CDC, most people who have HSV-1, which can cause cold sores, got it during childhood from nonsexual contact, such as receiving a kiss from a family member.
According to the WHO, however, HSV-2 is "almost exclusively sexually transmitted."
Myth #3: People cannot spread herpes to others unless they have sores or blistersFact: People can spread herpes to others at any time, including when they do not have any symptoms.
People with herpes may experience outbreaks and remissions. During an outbreak, a person has active sores or blisters, but in remission, they may have no symptoms at all.
The virus is usually more contagious when a person has an outbreak, but it can also spread when it is in remission.
Myth #4: Herpes will go away on its ownFact: There is currently no cure for HSV-1 or HSV-2. Once a person has it, the infection is lifelong. The symptoms may come and go, but the virus will stay in the body.
That said, a doctor may prescribe antiviral medications that can help control the severity and frequency of outbreaks.
Myth #5: Herpes is not harmfulFact: Most of the time, herpes is mild. However, it can cause serious complications in some cases.
For example, having HSV-2 can make a person three times more likely to contract HIV.
Also, if an infant has exposure to herpes during delivery, they are at risk of neonatal herpes. This can cause brain damage or death. Research suggests that neonatal herpes affects 1 in 1,700 to 1 in 8,200 births.
Both types of herpes are most contagious when a person has symptoms. However, herpes can still spread when no symptoms are present.
Genital herpes spreads through sexual contact. The likelihood of a person spreading it will depend on:
Using barrier method contraception reduces the risk of spreading herpes to a sexual partner, but it cannot prevent it completely. Dental dams can reduce the risk of spread during oral sex, as herpes can pass between a person's mouth and their partner's genitals.
Research shows that older herpes infections are less contagious than newer ones. In other words, if a person has had the virus for many years, they may be less likely to spread it than someone who has recently contracted it.
People can also get oral herpes through nonsexual contact with a person who has the virus. This contact may include kissing or sharing utensils or drinks.
Although herpes is contagious, there are ways to lower the chance of spreading it. The points below will provide some prevention tips:
Herpes is a common viral infection that usually causes mild symptoms. People can spread both types of the virus through oral or sexual contact.
According to some estimates, more than half of the global population has herpes.
People who have herpes can still have sexual relationships and continue to kiss and hug family members, but it is advisable to take precautions during an active outbreak.
4 Best At-Home Herpes Tests For 2024
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At-home herpes (HSV) tests are a convenient way to test for this common infection. Here, we examine the best herpes test kits, from their price to their support and privacy measures. Plus, we provide our editor's hands-on review of the LetsGetChecked herpes test.
Medical News Today Editor Lois Zoppi received a free herpes test from LetsGetChecked to review. All opinions are their own.
People can order at-home herpes tests from MyLAB Box. These kits contain instructions, a specimen bag, and a prepaid return envelope. Users may find this test convenient because of its quick turnaround for results and the option to book a free consultation and get treatment.
It is also one of the more affordable tests available online.
Once a person receives their collection kit, they can collect their sample using the instructions. They can then use the prepaid envelope to send it to the laboratory.
People should receive their results within 2–5 days. If the test is positive, they can book a free consultation with a doctor to discuss their results and treatment options. The doctor may then prescribe treatment.
This at-home test only works for people who wish to test for genital herpes. The company does not offer test kits for oral herpes.
The kit costs $89 as a stand-alone test, but the company also markets other kits that test for different infections. For example, if a person also wishes to test for other STIs, they can purchase the Total Box – 14 Panel option or the Uber Box – 8 Panel option.
Read our in-depth review of myLAB Box.
Pros & consSTDCheck offers tests for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. A person can order an HSV-2 test for $45. There is also an option to order a test package that tests for 10 different STIs.
This option is best for people who need their results quickly.
To order a test, a person must enter their ZIP code on the company website to find their nearest testing center. The company claims it has over 4,500 test centers nationwide, making them a convenient option for most people.
A person needs to attend their local test center for a blood test. They should then receive their online results within 1–2 days. Anyone who receives a positive result is eligible for a phone consultation with a STDCheck doctor. The doctor may prescribe treatments at their discretion.
Pros & consThe LetsGetChecked home kits can test for both HSV-1 and HSV-2. This test kit may be best for people who require regular testing as the company's subscription options can offer significant discounts.
A person receives a collection kit with all the tools they need to collect their samples at home. This includes needles, a prepaid envelope, alcohol swabs, and a tube. The tests come in discreet packaging so that other people will not know what the person has received.
The person also has access to an instruction video on the company website explaining how to take their test. LetsGetChecked suggests that people take a blood sample before 9 a.M. And return it to the laboratory on the same day.
The company states that it issues the results within 2–5 days.
Individuals who receive a positive result can contact a nurse through the company, and they may suggest a treatment plan.
LetsGetChecked offers a one-time purchase for $119. Anyone who requires regular testing can purchase a LetsGetChecked subscription and get discounts on its tests. For instance, a 3-monthly subscription will give a person a 30% saving on the cost of the kits.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked.
What our tester says"I would recommend this product to MNT readers. It's an easily-accessible way to access tests that allow you to gain insight into your health.
"I haven't used online health testing before, but I was really impressed by how simple the whole process was. Testing was easy and relatively pain-free, and my results came quickly.
"However, I would have liked more detail in my reports, and the cost of the tests is prohibitive for people on a tight budget."
— Lois Zoppi, MNT Editor
"I would recommend this product to MNT readers. It's an easily-accessible way to access tests that allow you to gain insight into your health.
"I haven't used online health testing before, but I was really impressed by how simple the whole process was. Testing was easy and relatively pain-free, and my results came quickly.
"However, I would have liked more detail in my reports, and the cost of the tests is prohibitive for people on a tight budget."
— Lois Zoppi, MNT Editor
Priority STD offers three lab-based herpes detection tests: A standard herpes test, costing $99, and a herpes early detection test, costing $189. The latter can detect the presence of the herpes simplex virus as early as 10 days after exposure.
This may be suitable for people who would prefer to quickly seek diagnosis and treatment for herpes.
To order either herpes test, a person must access the company website and enter their ZIP code to find their nearest testing center.
The company claims it has over 4,000 private test centers across the United States.
After ordering the herpes test, a person can walk into their local center to receive the testing. An appointment is not necessary.
The test procedure involves a simple blood test and urine sample, which typically takes minutes. A person can expect to receive their online test results within 1–3 days.
In the event of a positive result, a person can have a phone consultation with a partner physician, who may prescribe treatment at an additional cost of $65.
Pros & consThe table below compares the six at-home herpes tests for cost, follow-up care, and more.
People considering buying a home test may seek advice from a pharmacist on which test is likely to be best for them. The pharmacist may also be able to show them how to collect the sample at home to prevent inaccuracies.
People who are looking for an at-home herpes test should consider the following before making a purchase:
At-home and in-person tests screen for the herpes simplex virus and will return either a positive, negative, or inconclusive result.
At-home tests require a person to collect the sample themselves. These samples may include urine, mouth or genital swabs, or a blood sample.
While at-home tests may be more convenient for those uncomfortable discussing their sexual history with others or those who cannot easily access healthcare, there are some risks. If a person does not collect the sample correctly, they may receive an inconclusive or incorrect test result.
Some at-home tests involve ordering a test online and visiting a lab so that a technician can collect the sample. This may be a good middle ground between true at-home tests and tests from a clinic for those who prefer not to discuss their sexual health with their doctor.
Samples taken by lab technicians and healthcare professionals are more likely to be valid. These professionals have had training and are more likely to take the sample correctly.
Another difference between at-home and in-person tests is that companies offering at-home testing may not offer follow-up advice. On the other hand, healthcare professionals from a clinic can provide people with resources, treatment, and prevention tips.
The CDC recommends herpes testing only for people who experience symptoms. Herpes can produce blisters on and around the genitals, mouth, or rectum. One reason for this is that false-positive results are possible.
Learn more about how long it takes for herpes symptoms to show.
People who have active herpes lesions can undergo a swab test. However, if the lesion is small or has started healing, there might not be enough virus for the test to detect. Due to this, there is also a risk of a false-negative result.
Healthcare professionals may be able to diagnose a person with herpes if they present with blisters and sores. Doctors may also swab sores or blisters that have not yet healed and send the samples to a lab for tests.
Anyone who thinks they might have had exposure to HSV and wants to take a test for reassurance, despite a lack of symptoms, will need to test for antibodies in the blood instead. White blood cells produce antibodies when bacteria, viruses, or other unwanted substances. A positive antibody test may not indicate that a person has a current herpes infection. It also cannot tell people when they got herpes, if they have it.
According to the American Sexual Health Association, people should wait 12–16 weeks from the time of sexual contact before taking a test. The test checks whether or not the body has developed antibodies for HSV-1 or HSV-2, which may take some time to become detectable after exposure.
People who are sexually active or share needles with others may require regular testing.
Individuals with partners with herpes and who do not use barrier methods such as condoms each time they engage in sexual activity should also test for herpes regularly.
Some people may prefer to order their at-home tests from online providers since this does not require them to leave their homes.
A 2020 study notes that at-home kits may also benefit those who may not access routine healthcare.
There are two types of home tests: self-collection and laboratory-based.
Self-collection testsAfter purchasing a test collection kit from an online provider, individuals receive all the tools they need to perform the test at home. They collect a sample by following the instructions in the kit and then return it to the company or its laboratory for analysis.
Laboratory-based testsAfter purchasing the test from an online provider, the person receives a laboratory requisition form, which they present at a testing site. A healthcare professional takes the required sample, and the individual receives their result within a few days.
How accurate are at-home herpes tests?
At home herpes testing may not be as accurate as an in-person testing, but it may help you confirm if you have herpes. It's good option for a patient who is unable to see an in-person physician or is hesitant to seek care from an in-person physician.
– Stacy A. Henigsman, DO.
HSV-1 or HSV-2 test results may be negative or positive. These results depend on the type of test people take.
False results can occur with many diagnostic herpes tests. Herpes tests are not as exact as tests for other STIs, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
A research review on the diagnosis of HSV-1 and HSV-2 concludes that using blood tests to diagnose genital herpes may be inappropriate because positive results may be due to chronic infection, whereas negative results may overlook recent infection.
According to the American Sexual Health Association, other viruses carried by the person in their blood may cross-react with the herpes virus, causing a false positive herpes result. These viruses include the varicella-zoster virus (VZV) which causes chickenpox or cytomegalovirus (CMV).
Other factors that may determine the correct outcome of a herpes test result include sample preparation and the stage of infection of the sample.
Four types of tests can confirm the presence of the HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. These are:
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)This is also known as a viral DNA test or HSV DNA test. The healthcare practitioner examines the sore sample to look for the DNA of HSV-1 and HSV-2 to determine which virus is causing the person's infection.
These tests are 99% accurate and are regarded as the gold standard of testing by healthcare practitioners in advanced HIV infections.
Viral cultureA healthcare practitioner collects a sample from the person's skin sore and sends it to a laboratory to see if the virus grows. This type of test is useful early in an outbreak when the sore is open.
A positive result indicates that the person has an HSV infection. This may be an initial outbreak or a recurring one.
A negative result indicates that the test sample did not contain HSV. A negative result does not always mean that the person is free from the herpes virus. For example, a false negative may occur if the lesion is small or has started to heal.
Tzanck smearA healthcare practitioner scrapes cells from the person's sore to look for characteristics of herpes infection. A clinician examines the cells at the doctor's office. There is no need to send the sample to a laboratory.
A positive result indicates the person has an infection. A negative result indicates that they do not have a herpes infection.
Antibody testsHerpes simplex antibody tests determine the presence of the HSV-1 or HSV-2 virus. A clinician detects these antibodies in the person's blood or sore sample.
A positive result means that the person has HSV antibodies from a current infection, or they have had exposure, an outbreak, or infection in the past. A negative result indicates that the person does not have the virus.
Before ordering a sample collection kit, people should consider the advantages and disadvantages of using at-home herpes tests. These include:
Anyone who has sexual contact with someone who has received a herpes diagnosis should contact a doctor as soon as possible.
People who have received a positive test result may also wish to consider seeking medical advice.
Currently, herpes is not curable, but doctors can prescribe medications to reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms. This may help lower the chance of the infection spreading to other individuals.
Below are some common questions about at-home herpes tests.
Can you test for herpes at home?Yes, it is possible to test for herpes at home. LetsGetChecked, STDCheck, and MyLAB Box all sell at-home herpes tests online. While at-home herpes tests are easy to complete and convenient to use, there is a risk of user error if a person is not used to taking herpes tests themselves.
Yes, it is possible to test for herpes at home. LetsGetChecked, STDCheck, and MyLAB Box all sell at-home herpes tests online. While at-home herpes tests are easy to complete and convenient to use, there is a risk of user error if a person is not used to taking herpes tests themselves.
How accurate are herpes home test kits?At-home herpes home test kits are accurate so long as a person follows the test instructions. Tests may return an inaccurate or inconclusive result if a person does not take their sample correctly.
The CDC recommends that only people who have symptoms of herpes undergo testing. Possible symptoms include blisters around the anus, genitals, or mouth that burst and leave painful sores. The CDC also recommends testing if a person experiences what could be a herpes outbreak.
However, a person should always contact a doctor to help them interpret the results and receive further testing if necessary.
At-home herpes home test kits are accurate so long as a person follows the test instructions. Tests may return an inaccurate or inconclusive result if a person does not take their sample correctly.
The CDC recommends that only people who have symptoms of herpes undergo testing. Possible symptoms include blisters around the anus, genitals, or mouth that burst and leave painful sores. The CDC also recommends testing if a person experiences what could be a herpes outbreak.
However, a person should always contact a doctor to help them interpret the results and receive further testing if necessary.
Can you test for herpes 2 without an outbreak?The CDC writes that if a person does not have any sores or blisters, they can check for herpes with a blood test.
The CDC writes that if a person does not have any sores or blisters, they can check for herpes with a blood test.
What can mimic herpes?Many people who have herpes do not have any symptoms at all. Additionally, if a person has herpes symptoms, they can still be mistaken for something else. For example, herpes sores may look like pimples or ingrown hairs. Since herpes sores can look like blisters, they can also be mistaken for skin condition symptoms, such as dermatitis.
Learn more about what herpes sores look like.
Many people who have herpes do not have any symptoms at all. Additionally, if a person has herpes symptoms, they can still be mistaken for something else. For example, herpes sores may look like pimples or ingrown hairs. Since herpes sores can look like blisters, they can also be mistaken for skin condition symptoms, such as dermatitis.
Learn more about what herpes sores look like.
What are the first signs of herpes in a woman?Initial genital herpes symptoms in females include flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, painful genitals, and unusual discharge.
Early oral herpes symptoms may include flu-like symptoms, headaches, and sore lesions in and around the mouth.
Learn more about herpes in females.
Initial genital herpes symptoms in females include flu-like symptoms, swollen glands, painful genitals, and unusual discharge.
Early oral herpes symptoms may include flu-like symptoms, headaches, and sore lesions in and around the mouth.
Learn more about herpes in females.
At-home herpes tests may be the preferred option for people who feel uncomfortable discussing their sexual health with a doctor and those who cannot visit a healthcare facility.
Many companies sell at-home tests. Before purchasing a test, an individual may wish to compare the costs, how long it takes the companies to issue the results, and their instructions for collecting the sample.
Some people may have difficulty collecting samples at home and interpreting the test results. Some companies may only offer consultations to individuals who receive a positive test.
There are different types of herpes tests a person may wish to take. People should consider that any test has room for error, and those who receive a positive herpes test result should contact a doctor to discuss treatment options or a follow-up test.
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